A den is a place where a bear hibernates. This is a temporary shelter of the beast for the period of hibernation. As you know, bears are large animals that find it difficult to find food in the winter. Although bears are considered predators, however, when observing the behavior of these mammals in natural conditions, one can understand that most of their diet is plant foods and even grass.
In winter, due to the lack of their favorite food, animals go to bed, having previously accumulated a huge amount of fat. A den is a dwelling arranged by a bear not far from its summer habitat. It can be arranged in a variety of places, depending on the structure of the area. Consider several options for their placement.
Where the bear lair is usually located
Bear dens are located either in the cavity of the earth, for example, under the roots of a large tree, or they tear it out on their own with their claws. In places of accumulation of stones or in rocky areas there are lairs in caves.
Himalayan bearlikes to settle in the hollows of trees, as its size allows it to climb in. A brown bear, of course, can't do that, so its main habitat is a den dug into the ground.
Sometimes bear winter dwellings are located in the neighborhood, but with the onset of spring thaw, the animals again disperse to their habitats.
Arrangement of the lair inside
Before hibernation, the bear equips the interior of the den with dry leaves and branches, lays out the bottom with moss or spruce forest. The female bear usually tries harder, and her burrows are more comfortable and better than those of the male.
The bear goes to bed alone, but the bear can sleep with the cubs from the past brood. Inside, the bears curl up into a ball, resting their nose on their chest, and folding their paws under their muzzle. They fit only with their heads to the inlet. Lying in this way, the bear with its breath helps to thaw the snow at the entrance. If you walk in the forest in winter and see a hole with a dark mouth in front of the entrance, know that this is a bear's lair, bypass this place. Near the dwelling of the beast, you will not see traces of other animals, as they smell the bear from afar and will not come close.
Polar bear lairs
Polar bears make their hiding places in the snow. Males rarely hibernate, therefore, mainly pregnant females lie in the den to breed. They begin to dig a bear's lair in October, but do not immediately go to bed. Only from mid-Novemberthey remain in hiding until April.
Knowing the habits of these large animals, people in zoos create secluded places for hibernation so that the bear feels protected even in artificial conditions.
